Biblical Logos Blog

Many of our personal issues stem from self consuming thoughts. Take an issue like friction with your spouse. Certain words spoken can trigger old hurts and then fighting or cold-shouldering begins. From a Biblical Counseling perspective, events lead to certain outcomes or behaviors. Sin patterns affect our lives and relationships at this point.

In the chart above (top left), is depicted the begging of a cycle of thoughts. Usually some event in our lives reminds us of a hurtful situation we are now in or from our past. We can feel hurt, disappointment, lust, fear, anger or a range of powerful emotions. We recall past experiences whether they are recent or from our past that the current situation reminds us of. The thought can spin in our head. It takes us back to many similar situations. These thoughts evoke a belief about ourselves or others. We notice a reoccurring pattern of these events. Even though we may have tried to change our thoughts or responses, we become worn down and defensive. Sometimes, we feel resigned and defeated when similar events occur.

Typically, when these triggering events happen, we fall into this thought cycle quickly. We think more about the situation. Our minds race around and around. This reinforces whatever beliefs we have formed about ourselves or others. Our thoughts lead to behaviors and responses. If we see the trigger as external, such as an abusive spouse, boss, or other situations outside of ourselves, we may activate our body’s self-defense mechanism. Typically in these situations our impulse is to either fight against the situation or take flight from it. If we perceive the trigger as something internal, it can evoke anxiety. A personal shortcoming or inability to resist or cope can lead to depression and isolating behaviors.

Biblical counseling differentiates itself from secular counseling. It sees God and his Word as the answer to our struggles. This is opposed to resting on our own efforts alone. In the Epistle of James we see this thought progression that leads to sin described as follows:

Jas 1:13  – 15

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 

Thoughts, in this case about temptation, when meditated on, can lead to our actions/behaviors. In the case of addictions, being offered a drink can make someone with an addiction think about what the alcohol might temporarily do for them. It can bring a distraction and relief from troubling events. Someone with these issues may focus on the thoughts of escaping from their troubles. These thoughts may lead to accepting that drink. If this pattern continues, severe addition can result in health issues and even death.

The Bible says we should handle our issues very differently. In Peter’s first Epistle, he says we need to give our anxieties to God.

1Peter 5:7  “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

In Philippians, Paul says we should control our thoughts by thinking on good things instead of our worries.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

From our chart, we can see that God would have us stop the thought cycle early. We may register the hurtful thought. We may notice the behavior or words spoken to us. However, by taking those thoughts captive and praying, we trust that the Lord will support us through any issue. In Paul’s second letter to the people in Corinth, he tells us to take every thought captive to obey Christ.

2Corinthians 10:3-5  For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 

Stopping the thought cycle and focusing on Christ is the Bible’s answer. Praying to the Lord throughout the day and reading his Word reminds us of all his promises. It resets our minds on his promises and away from perceived troubling issues we all encounter in this life. If our issues are internal, the Lord promises his peace and accepts our anxieties. If our issues stem from outside of ourselves, God promises to walk with us through any trial.